From Performance to Purpose: Horace Christian Jr.’s Redemption Story

From Performing to Belonging: Horace Christian Jr.’s Story of Redemption and Real Identity

In a world where success is often measured by titles, talent, and what you can produce, Horace Christian Jr.’s journey is a breath of fresh air and a powerful reminder that real purpose begins where performance ends.

Today, Horace is a pastor and church planter. But not long ago, he was a man of faith quietly burning out successful on the outside, but deeply unsure of who he really was inside. His story is one of grace, brotherhood, and the healing that happens when we finally let God lead.

Chasing Purpose, Losing Peace

From the outside looking in, Horace was doing everything right.

He helped co-create a Christian cartoon series, was plugged into church leadership, and had a front-row seat in the world of faith-based media.

But something was off.

“I believed in Jesus, but I felt far from Him,” Horace shared. “I was pouring out for others, but I was empty.”

The pressure to look strong, sound spiritual, and keep performing was overwhelming. And in the quiet moments, Horace wrestled with the question so many of us face but are afraid to ask:

“Is this really it?”

An Unexpected Place of Healing

That search for something deeper led Horace to a surprising place: the Rise Discipleship Men’s Home in Abilene, Texas. He didn’t know what to expect and honestly, he wasn’t sure he belonged there.

“Why were these guys being so kind? What was the catch?”

But there was no catch. Just real people, real worship, and a real desire to follow Jesus together no masks, no competition.

For the first time, Horace experienced true brotherhood. Men who weren’t trying to impress each other. Men who weren’t pretending to have it all together. Men who challenged one another to know God, not just work for Him.

Through daily worship, vulnerable conversations, and intentional accountability, something in Horace began to shift. The lies that had shaped him for years you have to earn love, prove your worth, carry the weight alone started to fall away.

Identity Over Image

During his six months at Rise, Horace didn’t just detox from performance — he found freedom.

“God reintroduced me to who I really am: not a producer or performer, but His son.”

He discovered that his value had never been in what he did, but in who he belonged to. And that changed everything.

Today, Horace is back in Austin with a fresh vision not just to create, but to shepherd. He now leads and pastors others with the same grace and truth that met him in Abilene.

You Can Help Change a Life Like Horace’s

Horace’s story is powerful, but he’s just one of many. Every man who walks through the doors of Rise Discipleship Home is searching for hope, identity, healing.

And your support makes that journey possible.

💛 A gift of $50 provides food for one student for an entire week.💛 Monthly partners ($25–$50/month) help create a safe, Christ-centered space for transformation.

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Thank you for being part of this life-changing work. You’re not just giving.You’re discipling,

restoring, and helping men rise again in Christ.